Living with Diabetes

The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in West Virginia.

West Virginia Insurance Commission - (888) 879-9842
In West Virginia, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in West Virginia, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Commission. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

West Virginia Small Business Plan- (888) 558-7002
The West Virginia Small Business Plan helps make company-sponsored health insurance more affordable. It is a unique private/public partnership combining the strengths of participating insurance companies and state government to create lower cost, yet comprehensive, health coverage policies.

To qualify, a business must:
-Have 2-50 employees
-Have been without a company-sponsored health insurance plan for a minimum of 12 consecutive months
-Been in operation for at least one year
-Have a minimym of 75 percent eligible employees willing to sign up for the plan
-Be willing to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of individual coverage

West Virginia Medicaid - (800) 642-8589
Medicaid is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (877) 982-2447
The West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program is the health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens under age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income requirements.

AccessWV - (866) 445-8491
Access WV is the West Virginia high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness like diabetes. Premiums may be high, and/or a pre-existing condition waiting period may apply. Contact AccessWV for more information.